Do dogs belong in the library?

There is a woman with a scottie dog wrapped up in a library book bag. Only his head and front paws are visible. Actually, he looks like quite a load, really he's not that small!

And he is staring at me with those gigantic black eyes, buried in his bushy white face. She is browsing in the childrens picture book area, and there is no one else in the department at the moment.

The branch manager said to me before wandering away: "I hope she's not too long." But none of us have made a move to say anything. She looks like she'd kick me in the face if I said anything.

I live in a city where people take their dogs every where. I was browsing in a gift shop when a small dog, snarled and barked in my face. Literally, it was at face level, worn in a sash being held against a man's body like a baby. I also had a bad experience at a coffee shop recently with a friend, when a couple seated themselves at the table next to us, with their huge standard poodle. Its head was level with the table and my coffee cup. It had a strong wet dog smell, and spent a lot of time sniffing at me and staring. The owners glared at US as it became increasingly busy and crowded in the small neighbourhood shop.

It is unbelievable how people inflict their pets on other people. Don't get me wrong, I love dogs, and my family dog is the dearest dog in the world, but alas she does not get along with other dogs and has a gigantic and unruly presence which can be intimidating. So, she stays home and has a happy life snoozing in front of the fire, chasing snakes in the garden, and romping around the undergrowth. Just because she hasn't beento the library lately, doesn't mean that she's not a smart pup!